Robot vs. Machine — What's the Difference?

Often used to perform tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans.

Built to perform a specific function efficiently and reliably.

An automated machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions autonomously.

Typically operated by humans, but can be automated to various degrees.

Designed to interact with other devices or humans, to perform tasks in various environments.

An apparatus using mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and together performing a particular task.

Capable of learning from their operations and environment to improve performance.

Often found in industrial settings to speed up production processes.

A mechanical device that can perform tasks automatically, often programmable by a computer.

A device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks.

A robot is a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the control may be embedded within.

A machine is any physical system with ordered structural and functional properties. It may represent human-made or naturally occurring device molecular machine that uses power to apply forces and control movement to perform an action.

(especially in science fiction) a machine resembling a human being and able to replicate certain human movements and functions automatically

A device consisting of fixed and moving parts that redirects mechanical energy to accomplish a particular task or set of tasks.

Another term for crawler

See simple machine.

A set of automatic traffic lights

See compound machine.

A mechanical device that sometimes resembles a human and is capable of performing a variety of often complex human tasks on command or by being programmed in advance.

A system or device for doing work, as an automobile or jackhammer, together with its power source and auxiliary equipment.

A machine or device that operates automatically or by remote control.

A system or device, such as a computer, that performs or assists in the performance of a human task

A person who works mechanically without original thought, especially one who responds automatically to the commands of others.

An intricate natural system or organism, such as the human body.

A form of urban dance involving a succession of separate movements executed with precision in imitation of a robot.

A person who acts in a rigid, mechanical, or unconscious manner.

A system of serfdom used in Central Europe, under which a tenant's rent was paid in forced labour.

An organized group of people whose members are or appear to be under the control of one or more leaders

An intelligent mechanical being designed to look like a human or other creature, and usually made from metal.

A device used to produce a stage effect, especially a mechanical means of lowering an actor onto the stage.

A machine built to carry out some complex task or group of tasks by physically moving, especially one which can be programmed.

A literary device used to produce an effect, especially the introduction of a supernatural being to resolve a plot.

(figuratively) A person who does not seem to have any emotions.

An answering machine

(South Africa) A traffic light (from earlier robot policeman).

Of, relating to, or felt to resemble a machine

(surveying) A theodolite which follows the movements of a prism and can be used by a one-man crew.

To cut, shape, or finish by machine.

(dance) A style of dance popular in disco in which the dancer imitates the stiff movements of a stereotypical android robot.

To be cut, shaped, or finished by machine

(Internet slang) A habitual poster on the /r9k/ board on 4chan; a member of the /r9k/ community.

A device that directs and controls energy, often in the form of movement or electricity, to produce a certain effect.

A mechanism that can move automatically

(dated) A vehicle operated mechanically, such as an automobile or an airplane.

An answering machine or, by extension, voice mail.

(computing) A computer.

(figuratively) A person or organisation that seemingly acts like a machine, being particularly efficient, single-minded, or unemotional.

Especially, the group that controls a political or similar organization; a combination of persons acting together for a common purpose, with the agencies which they use.

(poetry) Supernatural agency in a poem, or a superhuman being introduced to perform some exploit.

The system of special interest groups that supports a political party, especially in urban areas.

Penis.

(historical) A contrivance in the Ancient Greek theatre for indicating a change of scene, by means of which a god might cross the stage or deliver a divine message; the deus ex machina.

(obsolete) A bathing machine.

To make by machinery.

To shape or finish by machinery; (usually, more specifically) to shape subtractively by metal-cutting with machine-controlled toolpaths.

In general, any combination of bodies so connected that their relative motions are constrained, and by means of which force and motion may be transmitted and modified, as a screw and its nut, or a lever arranged to turn about a fulcrum or a pulley about its pivot, etc.; especially, a construction, more or less complex, consisting of a combination of moving parts, or simple mechanical elements, as wheels, levers, cams, etc., with their supports and connecting framework, calculated to constitute a prime mover, or to receive force and motion from a prime mover or from another machine, and transmit, modify, and apply them to the production of some desired mechanical effect or work, as weaving by a loom, or the excitation of electricity by an electrical machine.

Any mechanical contrivance, as the wooden horse with which the Greeks entered Troy; a coach; a bicycle.

A person who acts mechanically or at the will of another.

A combination of persons acting together for a common purpose, with the agencies which they use; as, the social machine.

A political organization arranged and controlled by one or more leaders for selfish, private or partisan ends; the Tammany machine.

Supernatural agency in a poem, or a superhuman being introduced to perform some exploit.

To subject to the action of machinery; to make, cut, shape, or modify with a machine; to effect by aid of machinery; to print with a printing machine.

Any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

An intricate organization that accomplishes its goals efficiently;

An efficient person;

4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;

A group that controls the activities of a political party;

A device for overcoming resistance at one point by applying force at some other point

Turn, shape, mold, or otherwise finish by machinery

Make by machinery;

Robots are used for a variety of tasks, including manufacturing, medical procedures, and exploration.

Yes, all robots are a subset of machines, specifically designed for complex tasks.

A machine can be outfitted with additional programming and sensors to perform autonomously, thus becoming a robot.

While most modern robots operate on electricity, some may use alternative power sources like solar energy.

Machines do not typically have the capability to think or learn; they operate based on predefined conditions.

Robots can interact with their environment and adjust their operations, unlike most traditional machines.

Robots require safety protocols to ensure they do not harm humans or each other during operation.

Efficiency in machines is typically achieved through precision, speed, and the minimization of human labor.

A robot is a type of machine that performs tasks autonomously, often with the ability to learn and adapt.

Robots can increase production speed, improve safety, and reduce costs in various industries.

Many robots can operate independently, though they may require initial setup or periodic maintenance by humans.

Yes, some machines, like manual hand tools or mechanically powered devices, do not use electricity.

Examples include levers, wheels, and pulleys.

Robots in healthcare can perform precise surgeries, handle patient care, and manage medication dispensing.

Machines like refrigerators, air conditioners, and cars are common in daily life.